Scientists at Harvard University have identified 17 preventable risk factors behind dementia, stroke, and late-life depression – three common age-related brain diseases. Through examining 37 studies on dementia, stroke, and elderly depression, researchers found that at least two of these conditions were closely linked to modifiable lifestyle factors. These factors included diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, alcohol consumption, hearing loss, sleep disorders, as well as lesser-noticed elements like life satisfaction, social interaction, pain sensitivity, and hearing quality.

High blood pressure, poor nutrition, and physical inactivity were identified as the shared underlying risks for these three illnesses. The study highlighted the potential of high blood pressure to increase the risk of dementia, stroke, and depression by damaging brain blood vessels. Dr. Jasper Senff, the lead author of the study and a postdoctoral researcher at Harvard’s Brain Care Labs, emphasized the interconnected nature of dementia, stroke, and late-life depression, stating that the appearance of one increased the likelihood of the others emerging.

The results of the research were published this month in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry. Out of the 37 studies analyzed, 36 focused on stroke, 16 on dementia, and 2 on late-life depression. The 17 modifiable risk factors linked to at least two of these diseases were listed as follows: blood pressure, kidney disease, blood sugar, cholesterol, alcohol consumption, nutrition, hearing loss, chronic pain, physical activity level, purpose in life, sleep pattern, smoking, social interaction, and stress.

The study specifically highlighted that high blood pressure and severe kidney diseases had the greatest impact on these three conditions. The researchers pointed out that high blood pressure predisposed individuals to stroke and dementia by disrupting the vascular structure while increasing depression risk through heightened brain inflammation. Kidney diseases, on the other hand, were noted to negatively affect both vascular health and brain cells by accumulating harmful toxins in the body.

The study also emphasized the protective role of physical activity, cognitive stimulating activities like puzzle-solving, and social interactions. However, researchers cautioned that the relationship between these activities and diseases may be symptomatic rather than causal. Dr. Sanjula Singh from Harvard stated, “Our study has revealed numerous preventive measures individuals can take to reduce the risk of stroke, dementia, and late-life depression. These findings are invaluable in maintaining public health.”

While researchers highlighted the strong relationships between the identified risk factors and brain health, they also stressed the need for further investigation into the factors affecting brain health.